If you are a green card holder and considering applying for U.S. citizenship, then you must have considered some of the benefits that comes along with becoming a United States citizen. In this session, I will go over 8 benefits of becoming a United States citizen.
"While there are so many benefits of becoming a U.S. Citizen, this is just a list of some of the top reasons why you may want to consider applying for citizenship if you qualify."
1. Protection from Deportation: When people typically think of deportation or what is often referred to as removal, they often think that it only applies to undocumented immigrants, when in fact, green card holders can also be subjected to deportation under certain circumstances. Becoming a U.S. citizen protects you from deportation.
2. Citizenship for your children: When you naturalize your children under the age of 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens. Also, as an American citizen, your children will automatically become U.S. citizens. This is true, even if they’re born abroad.
3. You can petition for your family: U.S. citizens can file immigration petitions for more family members than that of legal permanent residents. As a citizen, you can petition for your parents, siblings and your children (regardless of their marital status). Legal permanent residents can only file for their spouses and unmarried sons and daughters.
4. You can vote in U.S. elections: The right to vote in U.S. elections is held out only for U.S citizens. When you naturalize you will earn the right and privilege to vote in elections. This is a benefit because you get to actively participate in the selection of public officials who are directly responsible for many of the laws and regulations that impact our lives.
5. You can run for public office: Not only do you have the right to actively vote and select who your public officials will be by voting in elections, as a U.S. citizen you can run for office yourself. If you want to see change and get involved you can now run for public office.
6. You can apply for federal jobs: Federal jobs are available to U.S. citizens only, and as a naturalized citizen you will now have access to these opportunities, in turn opening access to higher paying job opportunities as well.
7. Freedom to travel: Unlike legal permanent residents, U.S. citizens have the freedom to travel without restrictions. Green card holders cannot spend more than 180 days out of the country, or they would be considered to have abandoned their permanent residence, and subject potential immigration consequences, such as proving to the Department of Homeland Security that they never intended to abandon their residency. As a United States citizen, you also get a U.S. passport, and will be able to travel to many countries without needing a visa. This is a great benefit, especially for those who like to travel.
8. Less dealings with Immigration: When you become a U.S. citizen, you no longer have to worry about renewing your green card, and worrying about the potential of losing your green card if you were to become inadmissible. Remember earlier in the session, we learned that green card holders can also be deported just like undocumented immigrants, under certain circumstances. Becoming a U.S. citizen reduces that risk, and saves you money on renewal application fees.
Who is eligible to become a citizen?
To become a U.S. citizen you must meet the following requirements:
· You must be 18 years of age or older.
· You must have been a green card holder for at least five years (or three years, if married a United States citizen).
· You must have continuous residence in the United States for at least five years (or three years, if married to a United States citizen) and be physically present in the U.S. for at least half that time.
· Must be able to read, write and speak basic English. There may be exceptions for some people, based on some factors such as their age or whether they have a disability.
· Must have a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government. You must be a person of “good moral character.”
· You must take a loyalty oath to the United States and support the constitution of the United States.
If you are interested in learning more about the naturalization process, or whether you qualify, you can call or text me at 201.565.0099. You can also visit my website at www.anuforolaw.com and schedule a one-on-one consultation. Thank you, and God bless!